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phlegmon
Saturday 4 November 2017
| WKP |
Definition : A phlegmon is a localized area of acute inflammation of the soft tissues. The Latin term phlegmōn is from the ancient Greek φλέγω (phlégō, “burn”).
It is a descriptive term which may be used for inflammation related to a bacterial infection or non-infectious causes (e.g. pancreatitis).
Most commonly, it is used in contradistinction to a "walled-off" pus-filled collection (abscess), although a phlegmon may progress to an abscess if untreated. A phlegmon can localize anywhere in the body.
See also
acute inflammation